CNN Hires Malcolm Jenkins As Contributor to Comment on Social Issues

By Kevin Harrish on June 15, 2020 at 11:24 am
Malcolm Jenkins.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Jenkins has long been outspoken about social issues, and now he'll have another platform to do so, as CNN is bringing on the former Ohio State defensive back as a regular contributor.

Jenkins, currently with the New Orleans Saints, is expected to appear on several CNN studio shows where he'll comment on national affairs related to racism and other social issues.

“Having spent years running non-profits and supporting grassroots organizations to address the inequalities of our criminal justice system, educational system and disparate wealth in our marginalized communities, I believe I can be a voice for other athlete activists and those who have dedicated their lives to changing legislation, policies and reforms for human equality,” Jenkins said in a statement. “Now more than ever, the public needs to be educated on the roles of elected positions of power, such as the District Attorney, Police Chief or City Council and how to hold those individuals accountable, especially through their voice and their vote. In an important election year, I’m eager to join the CNN family and share my perspective as a regular contributor.”

Jenkins is no stranger to the media world. He's already contributed op-eds to CNN.com, The New York Times and The Washington Post. He's also the co-founder of Listen Up Media, a group that works to "highlight and distribute content that mandates a conversation, drives engagement and creates social awareness around systemic issues in society."

Notably, Jenkins is also the co-founder of the Players Coalition, an independent advocacy with the goal of "making an impact on social justice and racial equality at the federal, state and local levels through advocacy, awareness, education, and allocation of resources."